Efforts are being made this week to lure hi-tech engineering companies to Coventry to build on the city’s reputation as a centre of excellence in automotive design.

Officers from Coventry City Council's Centre for Investment (CCfI) will be attending the world's leading automotive show to promote Coventry as the perfect location for research and development in the automotive sector.

One officer will be at the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) event in Detroit, USA to try and attract high technology engineering companies to the city. 

If they come to Coventry these companies will bring with them well-paid quality jobs for local people. 

CCfI will be using other world class names that have made the city their home as proof that Coventry is the ideal base for this sector of the market.

Jaguar's Research and Development facility, Lotus, Corus and Warwick Manufacturing Group have all been in the city for many years.

Cllr Dave Batten, cabinet member (Development and Renewal) said:

"It is vital that Coventry has a presence at this type of world show.

"If we want to attract more companies here and create new jobs for local people then we have to get out there and shout about what we have to offer. 

“This event is expected to attract over 1,200 exhibitors from around the world and more than 50,000 visitors from both engineers and suppliers.

“The show is billed as the world's largest automotive parts and components exhibition and the best and the brightest of the engineering community will be there.  So we have to be there too." 

Meetings have already been lined up with R and D companies known to be considering relocating or expanding to Europe.

Coventry is at the show in partnership with Advantage West Midlands, East Midlands Development Agency and other regional partners: Warwickshire Investment Partnership and Sandwell Investment Bureau.